Don’t Sleep on Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

In an industry ruled by microtransactions and battle passes and live-service games, From Software has become renowned as one of the few triple-A developers who still care about making good games. From Dark Souls to Elden Ring, every game with their name on the box has released to critical acclaim. Their reputation is well-deserved, which you can’t say very often these days.

But before there was Dark Souls put them on the map, From Software had plenty of other games under their belts. Such as the King’s Field series, the birthplace of the iconic Moonlight Greatsword. Or their recently revived mech action game: Armored Core.

Now, to be clear: this is not a review of ‘Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.’ I’m still not finished with it, and probably won’t be for a while. This is more of my current impressions and an earnest message for people like me, who almost passed on this game.

Do you like giant robots with massive lasers and rocket launchers? Of course you do, everyone does! If you’re looking for a giant mech simulator, this game is the perfect pick! Zipping around at high speeds, fighting mechs with laser swords, dodging massive waves of rockets and bullets, this is every mecha fanboy’s dream!

But you know what mecha fans really like? Customization. And Armored Core has got tons of it! It isn’t just the armor and weapons. You can paint every single piece to your liking. And not the modern ‘pick a color pallet for the whole thing’ that most games do nowadays. You have full control of the colors for every. Single. Piece!

“Yeah that sounds cool and all,” I hear you saying, Mr. Hardcore Souls fan. “But it’s not Elden Ring dlc or a new Souls game, so I’ll pass.”

Well, to you, sir, I say this: are you looking for a challenge? Because I assure you, this game has got one for you! Seriously, the first major boss of this game absolutely destroyed me! The challenge, and the subsequent euphoria of victory, that put From Software’s other games on the map is present and accounted for!

Much to the chagrin of my controller. Just when it was starting to feel safe.

Armored Core VI is a stupid fun game. It’s tough, it’s badass, and it’s super addictive. If you love From Software’s games, don’t sleep on this one. They hit this one out of the park just as all their others have.

It will be a dark day when From Software lets us down. Luckily, that day is not today.